There is a 1991 Delta DJ-10 6” jointer available on CL. Could this jointer be worth the $600 being asked? Obviously, condition has much to do with it’s value. I would value any and all input from those “In The Know”.

Thanks, in advance for the help.

-- Randy-- I may not be good...but I am slow! If good things come to those who wait.... Why is procrastination a bad thing?

Or keep the guy’s number. He eventually may fail to sell and willget discouraged and stop trying. Then you contact him with arealistic offer. $150-200 would be fair to both of you I reckon for that jointer model. People who buy machinery new sometimeshave a hard time adjusting to used-market prices. I’ve spokenwith a few sellers who’ve said they’d rather give it away to charitythan sell for less that what the machine is “worth” (in the seller’sopinion).

I truely appreciate eveyones insights and input. I think that I will make a “diplomatic” low ball offer in an attempt to not insult the seller. If he accepts the offer, good for him (and me). If he declines then I lose nothing. As the saying goes… nothing ventured, nothing gained.

BTW, I stumbled upon this site recently and have found it to be exceptional. LJ’s a GREAT place, due of course to all of you! Now then, stand up, reach your arm way up into the air, maneuver your hand behind your neck and… pat yourselves on the back.

Thank you all.

-- Randy-- I may not be good...but I am slow! If good things come to those who wait.... Why is procrastination a bad thing?

Put it this way:Home Depot sells a nice, highly regarded 6” Ridgid Jointer for $429. You can find 10% coupons or wait for sales and get it for $380ish. Harbor Freight sells an ok 6” Jointer for $399 that is habitually on sale for $369. Apply one of the 20% off coupons and you’re out the door for $300ish.

In my mind a tool loses 25% of its value after it touches its first board. The value declines from there as its age increases and its condition declines. A 10-20 year old jointer isn’t worth more than $150-$200 unless its a real gem. It would need to be a production-quality machine, with great specs, and in great condition to get $200+. If you’re willing to pay $400 for a jointer, you should skip the old beaters and buy a Ridgid. If the Delta and Jet brand is what you’re after, you can probably find a newer or cheaper one on CL sooner or later. But the two you’ve asked about so far are, in my humble opinion, complete rip-offs.

I totally hear what you are saying. I don’t ever plan on paying the “Asking Price”! Given my budget (or lack of), I’m just hoping to stumble upon a “diamond in the rough”. The more time goes by, I’m coming around to your “train of thought”.

I certainly don’t want to discourage you from buying an older machine. You should see my shop. My “newest” machine was built during the Nixon administration. Its just older machines, as you mentioned, take some time, work, and expense before they work properly. Its not worth passing up a new machine that is shop-ready, only to pay similar prices for a dinosaur that needs two days worth of corrosion control.By all means, you should make a reasonable offer on either machine and see what sticks. I just didn’t want to see you pay anything close to the asking price.I outfitted my shop with five floor standing machines for less than $300 buying the old iron.

I’m not discouraged, just anxious and in a hurry. My busy season at work is only 2 weeks away and I want my shop fuctional. I think that I will have to bite the bullet, purchace a new jointer and planer. The rigid jointer looks promising and I’m eyeing the DeWalt 735 planer. Since I will then be “up & running”, I can hunt with extreme prejudice for some “Old Iron”, perhaps an 8” or 10” jointer and a 20” or 25” planer that need some TLC.

Thank you, everyone for the invaluable insight and input. I’ll be sure to post a “Tool/Machine Gloat” once I make a decision and a purchase.

-- Randy-- I may not be good...but I am slow! If good things come to those who wait.... Why is procrastination a bad thing?